Titus, the Roman emperor who ruled from 79 to 81 CE, is known for his military achievements, particularly his role in the Roman siege of Jerusalem, and for his short but well-regarded reign. However, one of the more intriguing aspects of his life was his relationship with Berenice, the Queen of Judea. Their affair was a topic of controversy in ancient Rome and remains a subject of historical fascination today.

Who Was Berenice?

Berenice (28 CE – after 81 CE) was a Jewish queen and a member of the Herodian dynasty, which ruled Judea under Roman influence. She was the daughter of Herod Agrippa I, the king of Judea, and the sister of Herod Agrippa II. Berenice was known for her intelligence, beauty, and political influence.

Throughout her life, Berenice was involved in several high-profile relationships. She was married multiple times, but after her last husband died, she remained unmarried and was often seen alongside her brother, Herod Agrippa II. This close relationship led to rumors of an incestuous affair, though no strong historical evidence supports this claim.

Titus and Berenice’s Love Affair

Berenice first met Titus in the 60s CE, during his military campaign in Judea. As the Roman general in charge of suppressing the Jewish Revolt (66–73 CE), Titus led the siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, which resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple. Despite these violent events, Berenice became romantically involved with Titus, possibly as early as 68 CE.

After the war, Berenice traveled to Rome, where she lived in luxury at the imperial court. Ancient sources suggest that she and Titus had a deep and passionate relationship. According to the Roman historian Suetonius, Titus treated Berenice almost like an empress, giving her significant influence in Roman political circles. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus also mentions their relationship, indicating that she acted as a mediator between the Romans and the Jews. shutdown123